Searching the Evidence

I sent three 5th grade girls down the hall and around the corner to see what they could see.  They returned running and breathless, adrenaline running high.  Stumbling over the words, they eagerly told the rest of the group what they saw and experienced.

It was all planned, but they did not know that.  I sought to create a simulation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 

As the girls in my class saw the wrappings, an 'angel', (my husband), emerged from the closet and spoke these words, "Why do you search for the living among the dead? He is not here, for He is risen, just as He said!  Go, and tell his disciples!"  (Matt. 28:6-7)

It was perfect.  The girls were stunned and when they came back to tell the others, everyone wanted to see for themselves.  But we sent only two, representing Peter and John.  They ran down the hall and saw as well.  Finally, we let the entire group go and examine the evidence. 

As our class continued to reenact the resurrection story, I couldn't help but get goosebumps.  We huddled in our 'locked' room, fearful of suffering the same fate as Jesus.  But then wondered how it would be if Jesus suddenly appeared among us, and showed us the scars in his hands and feet, the wound in his side. 

Yet, some would argue that Jesus never really died, leaving the resurrection pointless.  However, the day before, we held a court of law to determine whether Jesus' death did indeed really happen.  We had a judge, a lawyer, a jury, and a panel of witnesses.

These witnesses were taken not only from his friends and followers, but from his enemies and a soldier standing by.  Even those who held a high position in the Sanhedrin gave witness to His death.  The jury decided, based on the evidence, that Jesus had indeed died. 

I am convinced that those who reject Christ have not really examined the evidence.  Our Vacation Bible School was for the kids, but it did a number on my own heart.  All I can say is, "Wow!  What powerful messages!"

We were secret agents, looking to discover who Jesus really is, then decide how that evidence affects our own lives, and finally to defend it. 

As some 150 kids sang out, I was swept away in the sign language, the commanding hand motions, illustrating these truths so powerfully.  Jesus is risen!  He is alive and coming back again.  Each will give an accounting for their lives and what they did with Jesus of Nazareth. 

It is one thing to know these truths in my head, and yet another to incorporate them onto my heart through experience.   I've known these truths since childhood, but it was a real joy to study them last week in such a fresh way.  The evidence is clear, if we will have eyes to see.  I am so grateful for the opportunity.